Intro to Fingerpicking (Guitar Lesson)

Intro to Fingerpicking

Steve Eulberg explains the right hand fundamentals of fingerpicking. He demonstrates the proper method for plucking the strings. To get you started, Steve applies these techniques to some basic exercises. He also teaches some beautiful pieces that are relatively easy to play.

Chapter 1: (1:17) Intro
Hopefully you understood the intense music theory provided in lesson 5. If you've mastered everything there, you are definitely on your way to becoming a great guitar player!

Chapter 2: (1:16) Fingerpicking Introduction
This lesson will focus on fingerpicking techniques. We are going to be working with the "D" chord family. If you don't remember how to play all of the "D" chords, skip back a lesson & grab a quick review. Steve isn't going anywhere; he'll still be here waiting for you.
After you're all squared away, let's try out some finger picking on a "D" chord. Your fingers are numbered the same way as your fretting hand:

1: Pointer finger

2: Middle finger

3: Ring finger

4: Pinkie

5: Thumb

There are many different ways to position your hands when fingerpicking. Ultimately, it's what is the most comfortable for you. Experiment with these sample exercises and see which you like the best.

To start, let's hold the "D" chord with your left hand and position your picking hand accordingly:

Finger 1: "G" string

Finger 2: "B" string

Finger 3: "e" string

Finger 5: "D" string

Now follow Steve through some fingerpicking exercises. While holding the "D" chord, try picking the "D" string & then the ""G" string four times. Then try the "D" and then "B". Next try the "D" and "e".

We don't want to bore you with tedious exercises & patterns you have to remember. Make up your own exercise & finger pick away. As you feel comfortable, you can start to get a bit more advanced. Perhaps you can try something like this:

1: "D" with finger 5

2: "G" with finger 1

3: "D" with finger 5

4: "G" with finger 1

5: "D" with finger 5

6: "B" with finger 2

7: "B" with finger 2

Be creative & come up with your own unique lick!

Chapter 3: (4:24) Fingerpicking Practice with the "D" Chord Family
Now we're going to try a few exercises that will have you practicing some simple fingerpicking. However, we're going to be changing the chords at the same time. These two things together are sometimes very difficult so do not get discouraged.

For this first exercise, you are going to use the following fingerpicking pattern: thumb, 1, thumb, 1, thumb, 2, thumb, 2, thumb, 3, thumb, 3. By string name, it would be D, G, D, G, D, B, D, B, D, e, D, e. We are going to use that pattern for this chord progression: D, D Major 7, D7, and lastly D6.

As you may have noticed, these chords only changed the note played on the "B" string (second picking finger). For this next exercise, play with your thumb on the "D" string and then your seocnd finger on the "B" string over and over. On your fretting hand, use the same chord progression: D, D Major 7, D7, and then D6. Now hold the chords in the reverse order and give it a shot.

Be sure to master these exercises before moving on.

Chapter 4: (5:25) Fingerpicking with "D" Minor chord
In this scene we will be fingerpicking with the "D minor" chord. It is held the same way as the "D" chord except your first finger is dropped from the 2nd fret on the "e" string to the 1st fret. In this first exercise, hold the "D minor" chord and pick the following strings:

"D" (thumb), "G" (1st finger) - 4x

"D" (thumb), "B" (2nd finger) - 4x

"D" (thumb), "e" (3nd finger) - 4x

"D" (thumb), "B" (2nd finger) - 4x

"D" (thumb), "G" (1st finger) - 4x

The next exercise will be a progression with "D" Minor, "D" Minor Major 7, "D" Minor 6th. Pick in the following fashion:

"D" (thumb), "G" (1st finger) - 2x

"D" (thumb), "B" (2nd finger) - 2x

"D" (thumb), "e" (3rdst finger) - 2x

After you've run through those six pickings, switch to the next chord. Repeat this for all four chords. You will notice that only the "B" string is changing notes. However, you're still picking the "D", "G", "B" and "e" strings. Essentailly, you're picking three extra strings that never change. These extra notes that do not change will give you plenty fo time to reposition your hand for the chords.

Now try that same exercise in the reverse order. Use the same picking pattern but play "D Minor 6th", then "D Minor Major 7", and lastly "D Minor".
Please take your time and practice these progressions until you have them down. If it takes you a while don't worry about it. The key is to make sure you're getting it right, not rushing through.

Chapter 5: (10:51) Pinch Pluck Fingerpicking
Thus far, you've been alternating the strings you pick with your fingers. Follow Steve through a few simple exercises to review the last chapter & mix things up a bit with an exercise in the reverse order.

Now that you're warm, we can work on a new technique: pinch pluck fingering. Instead of individually picking strings, we will pick two strings at once within the riff, followed by an individual pluck (picking just one string).

Firstly, pinch the "D" with your thumb & "B" with your second finger. Fret the "D" chord on the neck & pinch these a few times to practice the basic technique a bit.

Once you have that down, add a pluck after your pinch. Pinch both the "D" and "B" and follow it up by picking the "G" string with your first finger.

After you've nailed that technique, try plucking the "e" with your 3rd finger after the pinching of the "D" and "B" strings. Once you've mastered this technique, try alternating the last two exercises. First pinch the "D" and "B" and then pluck the "G". Next, pinch the "D" and "B" and then pluck the "e". Alternate back & forth between these two. As you become more comfortable, try to speed things up a bit and see how you do.

Time to take it to the next level. Let's try the pinch pluck method (alternating between plucking the "G" and "e") while changing chords. First play the "D", then "D Major 7th", then "D7" and lastly the "D6". This is definitely going to take repetition and practice. If you can get this down quickly, then you’re on your way to being the next Steve Eulberg! Take your time and move slowly with this. It is a lot of information to learn all at once.

Chapter 6: (2:12) Pinch Pluck Fingerpicking with the "D Minor" Family
You thought you could get away with practicing with the major chord variations and not the minors? Think again. Let's try the same pinch pluck technique but with the minor "D" chords.

Alternate with pinching the "D" and "B" and then plucking the "G" and pinching the "D" and "B" and plucking the "e". Run through this pattern twice for each of the following chords: "D" Minor, "D" Minor Major 7, "D" Minor 7, "D6" and then back the other way: "D" Minor 7, "D" Minor Major 7, and then "D" minor.

Stay after this exercise until you are able to play it flawlessly. Once you've got this down, you've successfully learned the skilled needed to play quite a few of the songs you hear today on the radio!

Chapter 7: (13:39) New Fingerpicking Methods, Tips, and Thoughts
Up until now, you've been alternating notes played by your fingers with your thumb. Now, we're going to mix things up a bit and move from string to string without hitting the "D" string with your thumb between every note.

Let's try an exercise to pratice this new technique. Your picking pattern will be thumb, finger one, finger two, finger three (strings "D", "G", "B", "e"). Play this pattern four times (sixteen total notes) on the "D" major chord. Then move to the "D" Major 7, then "D7" then D6. Now work your way back up: "D7", "D" Major 7, and lastly "D" major.

With Steve the "D" minor and "D" major families are like love & marriage: "You can't have one without the, other!" Let's use the same picking technique but progress through the "D" minor chords: "D" Minor, "D Minor Major 7, "D" Minor 7, and then "D" Minor 6. Of course, you then have to work your way back up! Give it a shot.

Now we’re going to add another twist to those exercises. Try the same two progressions but with a different picking method. Instead of doing thumb, 1st finger, 2nd finger, 3rd finger (“D”, “G”, “B”, “e”) try going 3rd finger, 2nd finger, 1st finger, then your thumb (“e”, “B”, “G”, “D”). You should know both he minor & major chord progressions by now – give it a shot!

Remember, practice makes perfect. Learning chord progressions & proper finger picking is best achieved by repetition. Try the same chord progressions but mix up your picking pattern one more time: thumb, 3rd finger, 2nd finger, and then 1st finger. If you’re feeling comfortable, you can mix things up even more. Try all of the notes in a different order. Perhaps use your thumb, 3rd finger, 1st finger, and then 2nd. Experiment and see what happens!

You might also like to try another technique. Pick the “D” string with your thumb & then hit the other strings (“G”, “B”, and “e”) all together with your other three fingers. You can also try mixing up the timing. Thus far the exercises have been in 4:4 timing. This is why we’ve been playing in sets of two or four. With this latest technique, you can mix things up into 3:4 timing. Basically you are playing three notes per measure instead of four. This will give you a “waltz” or “polka” type sound.

From here your imagination is the limit. You have eight “D” family chords, two different timings as well as hundreds of different combinations to pick these four strings. Mix all of these together & you can create new riffs for hours without playing the same thing twice. Grab your guitar and see what you can do.

Hi there Stan24! This was actually the first lesson series recorded on the site and our cameras weren't anywhere near as good as they are now. If you are finding that you can't see the fingers and frets I would recommend checking out Steve's Basic course that we reshot with modern equipment. You'll find it in Phase 1 near the top of the acoustic list.

At one time, D chords were the easiest for me to play correctly, tho until now I never knew how badly I butcher the c major chord. But I've been tinkling with finger picking Joni Mitchell's circle game for several years & was surprised you started us on D chords, which unfortunately became nearly impossible for me following the breaking of my left middle finger a couple years ago. Now D can be as brutal as f or b flat. Lmfao The for the discipline. Making progress for the first time in 30 years of playing.

You have taught me so much and your playing is beautiful :) I have been taking your lessons seriously now for a few months and I can't believe that I am learning these things so fast, it feels like it was yesterday that I couldn't even play a chord nicely. I especially love doing the pluck playing and the D chord flat pick progressions

I've got pretty complete chord charts for just about all chords...and if I go thru them I can find and practice all these chords...
BUT...I'm trying to understand why a "beginner" guitar lesson is requiring me to use a dozen different D chords??

Well, here's to 2015! I made it this far in the lessons since I joined on Christmas nite 2014 but I knew some chords. Now I know more... I find it hard to keep track of which chords to go to next in this lesson. I think I will have to write them down in the order Steve plays them. I am having fun and learning, thanks Steve.
Happy New Year.

Great lesson Steve. I have a questions about practice methodology and when to move forward. This lesson is 51 minutes long and is comprised of five or six, 8-11 minute segments. Is it best to completely master each segment before moving on to the next? Or is it best to work on multiple segments simultaneously?

Great lesson Steve. I have a questions about practice methodology and when to move forward. This lesson is 51 minutes long and is comprised of five or six, 8-11 minute segments. Is it best to completely master each segment before moving on to the next? Or is it best to work on multiple segments simultaneously?

Putting up chord illustrations should be an easy fix, you shouldn't have to print anything off unless you just prefer to. Same complaints about chords were mentioned 4 years ago I noticed and nothing has been done to remedy.

This may be a dumb question. I get the fingerpicking method- get it but far from mastering it. here is my question- on other chords, other than D, do you place your fingers on the same strings and play the same strings or is there different placement and strings for each chord?

One thing I really like about these exercises is that they really force me to lay down the chords more accurately and consistently. Now, if only some great big guy could force me to keep my fingers in position more consistently. What looks so effort free on the video is developing into a big problem for me. Any suggestions? I've tried anchoring the pinkie and floating it, also positioning my hand in different places over the sound hole. I'm about out of ideas.

It would be better if you showed the left hand view from the perspective of the guitar player and not the student. That way the student can match the fingering on the fret board and strings more accurately. No offense intended, but Steve's fingers are pretty big and hard to see from the students perspective, which string and fret he is actually playing. This should be applied to all lessons from all teachers.

I think you are referring to the D minor 7. I was having the same problem and I have found if I curl back my 2 finger against my 1 finger and play the third string with my 3 finger it works for me. Hope it works for you too.

I'm learning so much and having so much fun with the lessons. I've been signed up for a couple of years but life events stacked up on our family. I'm on lesson 6, just started it today and I've never gotten this far before. Anyway, I appreciate your teaching style and the time you take to help the student build a good foundation. Hope that I can progress to become a competent player, but I have already gotten hours of enjoyment just exploring and learning the basics. Anyway, thanks for sharing your teaching gift here. It's been a blessing.

Hi! Just read your comment and I think I am in the same boat as you. Been signed up for a couple years but life gets in the way to doing what I want. And I am finally at the furthest point in the series in a while. Hopefully I will become somewhat of a ok player soon :) Thanks for sharing.

It would be MUCH more helpful to have the insert show the chord diagram rather than the left hand position on the guitar because the fingers hide the string position that is being used, so unless you're really good at interpreting the fret position, it's easy to get lost. Especially difficult to remember the progressions while going through so many different chord shapes. PLEASE ADD CHORD DIAGRAMS IN THE VIDEO. THANKS!

what I did was save a copy of the d chord family to my computer and during steves lesson I pull them up and scoot to right of screen so I can see the chords as I work through them and follow steve try it might help some other folks

i was having trouble with the D minor7 fingering like a lot of others. Then I tried it with my 1st finger on the B string and my 2nd finger on the E string (both on the 1st fret of course) with my 3rd finger on the G string, 2nd fret. Much easier for me than the suggested fingering. Most of the instructors have said alternative fingerings will often work for some people.

Great lesson Steve. I found that finger picking really made me clean up my minor chords. When i'm strumming, if I'm not extra careful, my finger position can get slightly sloppy but sometimes the strumming hides tiny errors. Picking really exposes any tiny flaws in your finger position. I've found the transitioning into and out of Dminor7 difficult but this lesson has really forced me to improve. I started guitar 10 weeks ago and I have found your lesson set invaluable so far. I wish you did advanced electric lessons because I enjoy the format of longer lessons. Keep up the good work!

Great lesson Steve. I found that finger picking really made me clean up my minor chords. When i'm strumming, if I'm not extra careful, my finger position can get slightly sloppy but sometimes the strumming hides tiny errors. Picking really exposes any tiny flaws in your finger position. I've found the transitioning into and out of Dminor7 difficult but this lesson has really forced me to improve. I started guitar 10 weeks ago and I have found your lesson set invaluable so far. I wish you did advanced electric lessons because I enjoy the format of longer lessons. Keep up the good work!

Hey Steve, I've been a JamPlay member for about 2 weeks now and I practice for several hours a day. No guitar experience prior to now. I'm having trouble with the D minor 7 chord....I'm using 1st finger (index) across B and e string at first fret, and 2nd finger on G string at 2nd fret.....I've tried using 3rd finger on G string too....having fits with this chord! I can't seem to get enough pressure on the e string....but when I do get enough pressure for a good ring on e string, then I have a muted B string because my 2nd finger is touching the B string. Suggestions please!!

This whole finger picking thing is a big part of why I took this course, and I have to tell it is really messing with my head and my hands!!!!! pluck one pluck three is running thru my head as I try to do this lesson, and really get it down. One of those I have to succeed at this task.... and I am getting a headache! lets not even talk about the next lesson w/ alt. thumb....I am working with a metronome to try and give myself time to do the next task; either pluck, one, or three, and that just adds to the headache..... suggestions? Please! thanks

While playing Dm or Dm7, try placing the tip of your finger as near to the fret towards your right (for right handed). Ensure you are comfortably seated and hand placed well on fret board with minimal strain. Break the finger placement into small steps. It will take some time and practice to make all your fingers move independently.

Yes! Love the new challenge of looking at fingerpicking in a way I haven't done before. Used to play a LONG time ago and recently decided to take it back up. I have a pretty good grasp of music theory from my years in school and military band, and that is coming back to me quickly thanks in part to your lesson on chord structure and relation to scales. Up to now , I've been tempted to skip over some because everything semed too easy. I'm glad now that I didn't. Looking forward to completing the series before I move on.

Yes! Love the new challenge of looking at fingerpicking in a way I haven't done before. Used to play a LONG time ago and recently decided to take it back up. I have a pretty good grasp of music theory from my years in school and military band, and that is coming back to me quickly thanks in part to your lesson on chord structure and relation to scales. Up to now , I've been tempted to skip over some because everything semed too easy. I'm glad now that I didn't. Looking forward to completing the series before I move on.

Yes! Love the new challenge of looking at fingerpicking in a way I haven't done before. Used to play a LONG time ago and recently decided to take it back up. I have a pretty good grasp of music theory from my years in school and military band, and that is coming back to me quickly thanks in part to your lesson on chord structure and relation to scales. Up to now , I've been tempted to skip over some because everything semed too easy. I'm glad now that I didn't. Looking forward to completing the series before I move on.

Hi Steve : Just wanted to say that I am now at lesson six of the
beginners series and I am very pleased with my lesson progress.
I will be working with lesson six awhile longer as I need to master
the chord changes and picking technique. Thank you and Happy New Year to all.

Hey Steve, I have a problem keeping my fingers "down " when I fingerpick. When I use thumb and 1, 2 and 3 automatically go up and so on and so forth. In fact, i find it a little pain keeping them down. Any suggestions?

Hi Steve. Great lesson and really appreciate your teaching style. Just had a question on fingerpicking. For A Major open chords, how does the finger pattern go? I mean, do i have to shift 1,2 & 3 fingers by a string, which mean, do i have to hit 2nd Notes on B, G & D strings by 1,2, & 3 Fingers resp. Mainly will the pattern always remain same where the 1st three strings by thumb and rest three by three fingers? Appreciate your response.

Hi Steve, While going through the lesson there are two views one of the right hand and one of the left hand. It would be very helpful if the actual tabs you are playing was on the screen somewhere while you are playing and not just at the end. It is very hard to see what strings your fingers are playing.

Steve, this isn't so much a comment on this lesson as it is a general question. My fingers are somewhat thick and I have some trouble when playing a chord not to have them pressing on other strings. Any guidance?

Hi Steve, I would find it helpful, because my short term memory is horrible, if when you change chords you would say the chord name: ie D, thumb 1 th 2 change D7 thmb 1 thumb 3 etc.
Thanks so much, I feel like I'm finally making some progress.

The closer to the bridge the thumb is, the more bent the wrist is, as the closeup in the video shows. This can cause carpal tunnel problems down the road for some people who play a lot. The closer to the nut the thumb is, the straighter and the wrist is, which can also be seen in the closeup in the video. If you learn to play this way, it's easier, more comfortabl, and there is far less potential for strain or injury. Steve, I enjoy your in-depth, deliberate style of teaching. Thanks.

The closer to the bridge the thumb is, the more bent the wrist is, as the closeup in the video shows. This can cause carpal tunnel problems down the road for some people who play a lot. The closer to the nut the thumb is, the straighter the wrist is, which can also be seen in the closeup in the video. If you learn to play this way, it's easier, more comfortable, and there is far less potential for strain or injury. Steve, I enjoy your in-depth, deliberate style of teaching. Thanks.

lgpurdie comment Feb 13,2010
Hi Steve,
I started at age 65 playing am on my 5th year. I print all supplements and lessons and then work on them before I start the Video. In lesson 5 I arranged the Major Cords first then I arranged the minor Cords. I start DSUV 4, DSUV 2 instead of using the 1st finger on G I use my 2nd finger then ready for DSUV 2, then D minor, Dm Major 7, D Minor 7,D Minor 6, D 6.
On lesson 7 I tried the picking out chord changes in the Jams I play in. Still practicing. I'm learning a lot , going forward.
I really like your course and wish I had learned about Jamplay sooner. Your a Great instructor.

D minor 7 - I find this chord impossible...either my 2nd finger buzzes the B string or it buzzes the D string! If I am making a bar with the first finger it seems to ruin the dexterity of my 2nd finger. Is there an alternative way of doing D minor 7?

For those of us with the bad memories, if a cord chart was shown during the lesson it would help. It is difficult to see what fret and string are to be played. The lessons are good and keep your attention.

I think they started doing the overlay chord images havent they? On new lessons. I thought that in the beginning...as well as player views of finger positiions especially in all music books...they so often just show it from the camera's position and then I, a visual learner have to interpret that from my position as player...doh!

I agree, in other video content I have seen they have an inlay of the chords the instructor is currently playing. Your a great teacher Steve, but I get very frustrated since I can't see what you are fretting. I am a visual learner, that is probably why.

Perhaps the JamPlay tech whizzes could overlay a chord chart on the first couple of lessons that introducs these groups. I know Steve is just moving down the B string, but a suggested fingering would be helpful.

Steve , just wondering in Lesson 6 under supplemental lessons when I am practicing my finger picking exercises I am wondering am I supposed to be using the chord progressions you taught me in D both major and minor chordings , when I'm doing the exercised some of the patterns seem to fit and others it just seems like I have to try pick it out as best as I can , I don't mind doing this as it gives me more ideas and dexterity but am I doing it right

Great lessons Steve. Thanks for all your patience - in your live lessons and in your videos.
Happy Holidays!
Prior posts suggested to show chord tabs in video. This would be vary helpful to me too. For now, I just open 2 screens using
(ctrl+n). This way i can play the video in 1 window and click "supplemental content" for the chord tabs on the 2nd window.

I've been playing on my own for about 6 months before coming here. I have been fingerpicking a variation that I have attained some degree of proficency with, thumb, 1, 3, 1,2, 1, 3,1 and over again. I can play all of the open chord changes using it. My question, should I forget about the style I am using and use yours?? Or continue using this one??

Great lesson, Steve. I like how you've layered things one-at-a-time. My problem has been trying to do too much at once without first getting the finger rhythms wired in. Now I know how to break down the problem into solvable parts.

Ditto on the "ah ha" moments! You are doing a great job teaching this 50 year old beginner how to play. Tried to pick it up 30 years ago without success, and here I am again, already farther along and having tons of fun. You are a great teacher, thank you.

I have been away from jamplay.com for quite some time. I would like to thank them for bringing me back all of a sudden. I have picked up exactly where I left off, and I see that everyone I have shown the "basics" (which I learned from here) to is off doing there own thing (excuse the language) but them bastards are playing things better than I can. I think they have more time on their hands. (Time is key) I hope to learn more from you, and everyone else on this website on how to improve my skills, and everyone elses, so that some day we will all be playing guitar in harmony, and I can stick to the keyboard, and lyrics. Which would make my grandmother happy. She is no longer with us, but I have her piano, and as much as I love the guitar, I would love to see her piano in use. Either way, they are both stringed, and some day I will learn how to read music. I thank you again for all the things you have shown me, and look forward to another year of learning. Mr. Eulberg, please keep showing me, and everyone else what you know, so your greatness will pass on through many generations.

I am finding this lesson to be very challenging. I know what to do with my right hand, but my left hand is having to change from chord to chord, only I don't know which ones I should be using. There are many many chords in the supplemental stuff, but it seems only 4 or 5 are actually being used for the lesson. No matter how many times I do the lesson, I somehow seem to always miss what my left hand is supposed to be doing.

Can't figure out which chords to use when looking at exercises on screen only....help...they should be indicated over the staff no? unless we look at you on the lesson first, how can we remember the chords...I like to look at the lessons at night after family's in bed, and then practice it the next day..when i'm not disturbing anyone.

If I put up the exercises on my screen only, I don't know which chords to use, my memory is awful and there are a lot of D chords to remember which is beyond me...so I have to watch the lesson all over many times and I still don't remember which to use.

Do the exercises coincide with the Scene? You don't call out which exercise you are teaching. I try to follow you and reference the exercise at the same time so I can see, hear and play but they don't seem to match

I JUST STARTED LESSON SIX, BUT I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 2ND FINGER IS MUTING THE B STRING. I SWITCHED TO FINGER 3 & THIS HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. ALSO I TRIED LIFTING MY 2 FINGER OFF AFTER I PLAYED THE THE G STRING & THEN PLACING IT BACK ON THE WAY BACK.

Steve, I've been playing for 40 years. I never had lessons, or any kind of training. I joined JamPlay for the year. I know all the chords,ect. I started at the beginning(phase 1) with you. I love it!! I've learned so much from you already. Keep up the good work.

Ronin: Just a thought, I was getting the same 'dull' sound with some of the strings when I first started out. My problem is not that my fingers are too thick - they are too thin and 'spindly', especially the 3rd and 4th because I'm double-jointed. I practiced with just those fingers going up and down the frets and it's starting to pay off. My notes no longer sound flat and if they do, it's usually coz I have strayed from just behind the fret marker. Hope this helps.

Hello Steve... What a wonderful product JamPlay[and yourself] have put together.I consider myself an intermediate level musician with an all around interest in guitar playing and styles. I have just completed lesson 6 and I'm quite impressed with the product so far. Just one suggestion though...I've noticed throughout the lesson notes that accompany the videos some typos and more importantly mistakes with note labelling that I'm sure will confuse newbies that may not see the errors.It seems that the lesson series hasn't been updated recently to correct for these discrepancies. I humbly suggest that this be addressed because otherwise you have an excellent product coupled with your friendly,warm,"down-home" style and knowledge-base to serve the creative needs of a new generation of guitarists. Please keep up the excellent work! In appreciation Iain[from Nova Scotia]

I have loved music my whole life (almost 35 now) and have dreamed of being a "guitar hero" but learning guitar always seemed incredibly daunting so I never ever bothered, believing I could be content with just listening. As things go I picked up an acoustic on a whim a few weeks ago, with the help of a guitar playing singer-songwriter friend of mine, and just happened to stumble upon this site while searching for online instruction. I immediately began with your beginner lessons, Steve, and just finished your challenging chapter 6. I'm simply amazed with the progress I've made already and have you and JamPlay to thank! Needless to say, I can't wait to come home from work every day to play my new guitar and go through the lessons on JamPlay. Your an awesome teacher Steve!

Steve, Thanks for an awesome fingerpicking lesson. I have been noodling and doodling on guitar for years but this lesson gave me tons of teaching and advice on improving with some amazing exercises to point me in the right direction!

Steve, thank you for this lesson. I am following the series one by one and learning so much. I've been doing a group class for a year and haven't learned as much as I have watching these lessons. In class, we've just learned song after song, all basic strumming - while it's been fun, I haven't felt like I've progressed much nor have I learned the WHY of things (i.e., theory). THANK YOU!!! (off to practice)

I been playing guitar for many years now and am quite good at it, but I suck at finger picking. I have been trying for years to learn correctly but have always found it too difficult to master. Problem is I lost my fingers on my right hand at the first joint when I was four. This is my first day on JamPlay and I like the lessons and will continue to persevere.

Instructor Eulberg:
I have a suggestion: If it is possible, could you have the tablature posted to the right of your body?
Your fingers are big and I am left guessing what string is he holding. If not, then maybe you could have the camera pan so we could see the strings you are pressing.
What I did to figure out the string you are pressing is to go below and press the "Supplemental Content" tab and look through the listed chords to follow along with you.
Finally, could you show us how to play the lead-in piece you play before you start each lesson? It is beautiful, and I really like it.
I hope I am not asking too much.
Thanks
Resource!!!

This is great! I have always only picked up finger pecking when it is required in a song that I am trying to learn, but have never actually practiced it individually, which is why I have always had problems with it. Practicing this is really helping my technique, and is making it a lot more natural for my hand instead of forced. I love this site! Been looking for something like this for a long time!

i think fingerpicking is gonna be easy to learn now!
i like the exercises, and i think ill go online and look for easy songs that use fingerpicking and gradually do harder more complex songs.
Steve you are my fav teacher on the site so far.

Hi Steve, Thank you for a brilliant lesson! It is the one I have been realy looking forward to (especially after having a little look at Operator!) and it didn't disappoint. You make it seem very easy and inspire a lot of confindence - so Thank you!

i have been enjoying this lesson, but i am having some problems. When playing the different D chords, i am getting a plucking sound from either the high e string or the g string. When using D chord for example, all other strings sound okay, but high e gives a plucking sound. What may be wrong?

Really enjoyed this lesson. Learning which fingers to pluck with on the right hand made a big difference. Before I always just used thumb and one other finger for all the strings. This makes a lot more sense and feels more controlled yet natural.

Hi Steve,
Lesson 6 chapter 4 you talk about a "D Minor Major 7" chord.
Now I just cannot figure out what this is? Ive searched the internet for such a thing and asked around - nobody seems to know what a "D Minor Major 7" chord is. What is it?
Enjoying the lessons so far - thanks.

Glad you found it! For anyone else with a question:
Dm Maj7 refers to a D minor chord (D-F natural-A) with a Major 7th extension (C#, rather than C natural). It has a very dissonant feel and doesn't work in all situations, but it can work!
Steve

Another great lesson, thanks. I think I'll have to go over this lesson a number of times but I really would love to be able to fingerpick well. I'm finding the same as rod who commented last that I have to rewind a couple of times & quickly write down the progression that we are going to do as I'm never quick enough to catch it the first time. Perhaps it would be helpful if it flashed up to the side of the screen at each change. Having said that, I guess we can't be completely 'spoon-fed!' I am a little frustrated/irritated sometimes when the lessons seem to come to an abrupt halt. I can't understand this & wonder if it's my computer or if JamPlay has done this. It seemed to happen in the final section of this lesson but I have noticed it in other lessons too.

I am another player who has been a beginner for 40+ years. I've always just learned to play songs, however I could manage. The exercises and the scales have really helped. The problen I'm having is putting the guitar down. I can't seem to get much else done. I've become what I call a "guitar zombie."

Doing this lesson for the second time today & certainly getting some improvement. For some reason I'm still having a problem with some of the scenes cutting off short in the lesson. I had the problem with one of the other lessons & someone kindly advised me to change my setting to the low quality. However, even though I've done that I noticed that a couple of the scenes in this lesson just cut off when Steve is still in the middle of the lesson. I'm finding this 'extremely' frustrating! If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it as it's spoiling my learning a bit.

Steve, your lessons are great...I've been playing the guitar on and off for over 40 years but really wasn't understanding a lot...I knew a lot of chords and coild follow along in song books, but never really knew much about why..I love playing and you are a great instructor...and in my case it goes to show one is never too old to learn and improve..Jamplay is the best thing I've found in all my years of looking and buying books. I wish I discovered you long ago......Thanks for everything !

Steve,
Thanks for the lessons I am enjoying myself very much. However I am a slow learner, I think. Anyway, it would help me very much to see the chord progressions you are asking for in lesson six. I listen and rewind to get them right but when i am playing I forget and get confused. When I look at the tab I can't tell which chord I am supposed to be playing.
Any way you can just list them in order you want them played and I can figure out the strings and times you want them played.
Thanks For The Help,
Rodney

Steve, I have come here after trying to teach myself from tableture off of the internet. So far...up to the sixth lesson, I have said Ah-hah soo many times it would have taken many E-mails to let you know every time. I thank you for what you have done for me. However, I am afraid now, because you want me to use my own imagination. This is where I get stuck. I guess for me there are way too many possibilities for me to try and pick one. Too many that I have a hard time going with one, and playing it throughout. I find myself changing it up soo much, that I feel it is the road to nowhere. Anyway, I have learned more in two days than I have learned in probably 5 years. I hope the farther I go, the more I won't leave myself hanging. Thanks again, and I hope the more I press on through this, the less I feel like I am leading myself down a one-way, dead-end street. There is a way out! (I hope)

Hi basco,
Thanks for your feedback.
Ah! the feeling of being paralyzed by too many options--I know it all too well!
Here's what has worked for me: Choose one and try it. If you like it, keep it. If you don't try something else. Remember you don't have to make big changes to have a new result. If you like something for a while and then get bored with it--the boredom is a sign that it may be time to change again!
Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve, I want to thank you for some great lessons. I just started playing at the ripe old age of 38 and wow I love it!!I am having a problem with hitting the D minor 7. I keep getting a tinny sound on eithier the high e string or the B string. Any pointers?? Is there any way of zooming in on your left hand so I can make sure that my placement is correct?? Thanks man

Hi Steve!
I also want to thank you for your lessons which are wonderful! In fact, I came to Jamplay with an electric guitar (which I like a lot), but after your lessons I really want to buy an acoustic one!
Looking forward to seeing your new lessons!
Alex

Thanks Steve for great lessons! I am really enjoying the lessons and have learned a lot. My questions is after going through lesson 6 and all of the other lessons is how long should I practice and should I limit it to a time I feel comfortable with or should I go through all of the lessons at one time?
Thanks,
Clint

Clint, I assume you know your learning styles best. If you're someone who needs to absorb a lot and then let it sink it later, by all means blow through the lessons in a big clip and then review.
if you're someone who needs to sit with an issue or problem and turn it over and over until it is clear, then chew more slowly.
The beauty of JamPlay is you can move at the pace you need and return to review lessons whenever you need to do that!
Here's my rule of thumb: if you are feeling over your head, that is a time to slow down and work on different pieces of what you are struggling with. If you are getting a bit bored, that's a good sign that you're ready to move on. If, later on, you run into a "speed bump" that surprises you, it's probably time for review.
Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve, Thank you for the great lessons. I do have a question. After going through lesson 6, I went to the supplemental content to try some of the fingerpicking exercise. I am assuming that the numbers 0,1,2,3, are representing the thumb and fingers on the right hand for picking. In exercises #4 and #5 many of the numbers are directly over each other. I am assuming that these need to be played at the same time with the fingers that are indicated. Is this correct? I have also noticed that in several places there is 0 on the D string and 0 on the B string directly above each other. Are these to be played at the same time with the thumb and if so could you explain how that is done properly. I know this is kind of a long question but I want to be sure that I am practicing correctly. Thank you very much!

:) hi steve i have done lesson 6, found it very interesting
the styles of finger picking it took me afew days to master the patterns but think i have it now i startd off slowly with the first pattern and went from there i am enjoying the guitar course very much think i am ready for me next lesson 7 now,,, great lessons thank you johnny ireland;)

Basic Guitar with Steve Eulberg

Phase 1 Acoustic Lessons with Steve Eulberg is a great place to begin your journey as a guitarist. With over 30 years of playing experience, Steve appreciates the importance of beginning your guitar training the correct way - no bad habits! These lessons are not just for acoustic players. Electric guitarists will receive the same benefits from this lesson series.

Steve answers the popular question, "When should I move on to the next lesson?" by sharing his personal goals and some important advice.

Length: 6:19Difficulty: 2.0Members Only

About Steve EulbergView Full Biography
An Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Steve Eulberg weaves mountain and hammered dulcimers with a variety of unusual instruments to create thought-provoking, smile-inducing, toe-tapping acoustic experiences.

He has sung and composed for religious communities, union halls, picket lines, inter-faith retreats, mountain-top youth camps, as well as the more familiar venues: clubs, coffeehouses, bookstores, festivals, charity benefits and showcase concerts.

Born and raised in the German-heritage town of Pemberville, Ohio, Steve was exposed to a variety of music in his home. Early piano lessons were followed by trumpet in school band, and he became self-taught on ukelele and guitar and harmonica. Mandolin was added at Capital University where, while majoring in History, he studied Ear Training, Voice and took Arranging lessons from the Conservatory of Music.

While at college, he first heard hammered and mountain dulcimers, building his first mountain dulcimer just before his final year. Seminary training took him the west side of Denver where he built his first hammered dulcimer. With these instruments, he was able to give voice to the Scottish, English and Irish traditions to which he is also heir.

Following marriage in 1985 to Connie Winter-Eulberg he settled in Kansas City, Missouri. There he worked cross-culturally in a church of African-Americans, Latinos and European Americans, with music being a primary organizing tool. He moved with his family in 1997 to be nestled beside the Rocky Mountains in Fort Coillins, Colorado.

Founder of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. he teaches and performs extensively in Colorado and Wyoming with tours across the US and the UK. He delights in introducing the â€œsweet musicâ€ of dulcimers to people in diverse settings and in addition to his own recordings, has included dulcimers in a variety of session work for other musicians.

In 2000 he was commissioned to create a choral composition featuring dulcimers for the Rainbow Chorus in Fort Collins. It was recorded in the same year (BEGINNINGS). He is currently at work on a commissioned symphony that will feature hammered dulcimer and Australian didjeridu.

Eulberg passionately believes that music crosses cultural and language barriers because music builds community. Influenced by a variety of ethnic styles, his music weaves vital lyric with rap, rock, folk, gospel and blues. Audiences of all ages respond well to his presentation and to his warm sense of humor.

Steve is a member of Local 1000 (AFM), The Folk Alliance, BMI and BWAAG (Better World Artists and Activist's Guild).

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.

Erik Mongrain

Erik expounds on the many possibilities of open tunings and the new harmonics that you can use in them. He explains what...

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Chord Library

Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.

Scale Library

Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.

Custom Chord Sheets

At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.

Backing Tracks

Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.

Interactive Games

We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.

Beginners Welcome.. and Up

Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.

Take a minute to compare JamPlay to other traditional and new methods of learning guitar. Our estimates for "In-Person" lessons below are based on a weekly face-to-face lesson for $40 per hour.

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Mike H.

"I feel like a 12 year old kid with a new guitar!"

I am 66 years young and I still got it! I would have never known this if it had not been for Jamplay! I feel like a 12 year old kid with a new guitar! Ha! I cannot express enough how great you're website is! It is for beginners and advanced pickers! I am an advanced picker and thought I had lost it but thanks to you all, I found it again! Even though I only play by ear, I have been a member a whopping whole two weeks now and have already got Brent's country shuffle and country blues down and of course with embellishments. Thank you all for your wonderful program!

Greg J.

"With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace"

I'm a fifty eight year old newbie who owns a guitar which has been sitting untouched in a corner for about seven years now. Last weekend I got inspired to pick it up and finally learn how to play after watching an amazing Spanish guitarist on TV. So, here I am. I'm starting at the beginning with Steve Eulberg and I couldn't be happier (except for the sore fingers :) Some day I'm going to play like Steve! I'm self employed with a hectic schedule. With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace, rewinding and replaying the videos until I get it. This is a very enjoyable diversion from my work yet I still feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile. Thanks a lot, Greg

Bill

"I believe this is the absolute best site for guitar students."

I am commenting here to tell you and everyone at JamPlay that I believe this is the absolute best site for guitar students. I truly enjoy learning to play the guitar on JamPlay.com. Yes, I said the words, ""enjoy learning."" It is by far the best deal for the money.

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